Cleaning tool with multiple cleaning surfaces

ABSTRACT

A cleaning tool including a removable and reversible cleaning member and separate angled scrubbing bristles. The cleaning member can have different cleaning surfaces for both heavy and light scrubbing, or the same cleaning material on both surfaces for longer use of the cleaning member. The cleaning tool may also include connectors for coupling a cleaning cloth or sheet to the cleaning tool.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/315,578, filed Mar. 19, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cleaning tools, and more particularly, to cleaning tools with multiple cleaning surfaces.

SUMMARY

In one example, a cleaning tool including multiple cleaning surfaces is provided.

In another example, a cleaning tool is provided and includes a brush head having a first set of bristles and a second set of bristles, both the first and the second sets of bristles defining a cleaning surface.

In another example, a cleaning tool is provided and includes a dual-sided cleaning member. The cleaning member includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The cleaning member is removably connected to the body of the cleaning tool, and movable between a first cleaning position, in which the first surface is used to clean a surface, and a second cleaning position, in which the second surface is used to clean a surface.

In another example, a cleaning tool is provided having a dual-sided cleaning member and a set of sheet grippers configured to receive a cleaning sheet therein.

In another example, a cleaning tool is provided having a body, a dual-sided cleaning member removably connected to a first portion of the body, and a set of bristles extending from a second portion of the body.

In another example, a cleaning tool is provided having a body, a cleaning member removably connected to a first portion of the body, a set of bristles extending from a second portion of the body, and a plurality of sheet grippers positioned on the body and configured to receive a cleaning sheet therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary cleaning tool;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1 with the cleaning member removed;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a top, rear perspective view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1.

Before any independent features and embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, an exemplary cleaning tool 20 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the exemplary cleaning tool 20 is a hand-held cleaning device including a handle 25 coupled to a base 30. In the example shown, handle 25 and base 30 are formed integrally into a unitary unit. However, handle 25 and base 30 could be separate portions that are coupled or connected together in any way known in the art, such as by an adhesive, sonic welding, mechanical means, etc. In addition, handle 25 and base 30 are preferably made of the same material, but may be made of a variety of different types of materials as long as each material is sufficiently durable to withstand the stresses undergone during normal operation of cleaning tool 20. For example, handle 25 and base 30 could be made of plastic, such as polypropylene. In other embodiments, handle 25 and base 30 could be made of polyethylene, polystyrene, etc. Handle 25 is arcuate and connected at one end to top surface 80 of second portion 40 and at the opposite end to top surface 45 of first portion 35.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, base 30 includes a first portion 35 and a second portion 40. First and second portions 35, 40 of base 30 are generally rectangular in shape, but could be, for example, square, triangular, circular, semi-circular, oval, or any other shape having a polygonal or arcuate perimeter. First portion 35 is generally planar and defines a first plane and second portion 40 is also generally planar and defines a second plane. Preferably, the second plane defined by the second portion 40 is angled in relation to the first plane defined by the first portion 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the first plane and the second plane is approximately 30 degrees, but could be any desired angle such that a cleaning member associated with the first portion 35 can be used independently of a cleaning member associated with the second portion 40.

First portion 35 of base 30 has a top surface 45 and a bottom surface 50, which has an indentation 55 therein. An attachment member 60 is positioned within indentation 55, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, to removably connect or couple a cleaning member to first portion 35, as described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, attachment member 60 comprises hooks of a hook and loop type fastener. Such hooks are effective at latching onto the materials typically used for making cleaning members to be used with the cleaning tool 20. The hooks are arranged in a continuous array extending across a portion of indentation 55. In other embodiments, attachment member 60 may comprise different configurations such as, for example, adhesives, or any other type of connector compatible with a particular cleaning member.

A cleaning member 65 is positioned in indentation 55 and removably connected or coupled to first portion 35 of base 30. In the exemplary embodiment, cleaning member 65 is a reversible, dual-sided cleaning member and has a first cleaning surface 70 and a second cleaning surface 75. In the example shown, first and second cleaning surfaces 70, 75 are different materials and are designed for different cleaning purposes. For example, first cleaning surface 70 can be a microfiber surface used to dust, wipe, or provide light cleaning and second cleaning surface 75 can be a mesh pad used for more heavy scrubbing. In this example, cleaning member 65 can be removed from base 30 and reversed to expose the cleaning side desired for a particular application. Alternatively, first and second cleaning surfaces 70, 75 can be made of the same material, which will provide longer use of cleaning member 65 by allowing both sides to be used before disposal.

Second portion 40 of base 30 also has a top surface 80 and a bottom surface 85 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). Bottom surface 85 is also configured to receive a cleaning member, which in this example comprises a plurality of scrubbing bristles 90 molded into bottom surface 85. In this embodiment, bristles 90 include two different types of bristles to provide different cleaning functions. For example, first set of bristles 92 are thinner diameter polypropylene bristles for lighter scrubbing and second set of bristles 94 are heavier polypropylene bristles used for heavier scrubbing. In addition to polypropylene, other materials can also be used for first set of bristles 92 and second set of bristles 94, such as nylon, PET, PVC, etc. Alternatively, it is understood that bristles 90 may be formed of a single set of bristles or more than two sets of bristles, depending on the cleaning applications intended. Bristles 90 extend outwardly from bottom surface 85 of second portion 40 of base 30 and are generally arranged in rows that run along the longitudinal axis of base 30. Bristles 90 are formed such that they define a scrubbing surface 95, which can be generally planar, arcuate, angled, or any other desired shape.

In the example shown, base 30 is also configured to be coupled to and used with cleaning wipes, sheets, or cloths such as, for example, dry disposable sheets, wet and dry microfiber cloths, pre-moistened disposable cleaning sheets, etc. (not shown). To allow use with cleaning sheets, base 30 includes connectors 100 disposed on top surface 45 of first portion 35, for removably coupling a cleaning sheet to base 30. A sheet can be wrapped around base 30 and cleaning member 65 and secured to base 30 by connectors 100. In the example shown, connectors 100 are flexible, resilient surfaces having a cavity disposed underneath the connector 100, with each connector 100 having a plurality of slits cut therethrough to form a plurality of pie-shaped, resilient, movable tabs arranged generally in a circular shape for grasping the cleaning cloth when it is pressed into the connector 100, generally known as sheet grabbers or sheet grippers. Alternatively, connectors 100 can be any means for coupling a cleaning sheet to base 30 and may comprise different configurations such as, for example, adhesives, or hooks of a hook and loop type fastener.

Now that the structure of cleaning tool 20 has been described, assemblage of cleaning tool 20 will be described herein.

Cleaning member 65 is removably connected to attachment member 60 on base 30 in a first position, in which first cleaning surface 70 is connected to attachment member 60 and second cleaning surface 75 is facing away from base 30 and can be used for cleaning. Cleaning member 65 can then be removed from base 30, reversed, and reconnected to attachment member 60 in a second position, in which second cleaning surface 75 is connected to attachment member 60 and first cleaning surface 70 is facing away from the base 30 and can be used for cleaning.

Any appropriate type of cleaning cloth may be coupled to base 30 by lying the cloth across cleaning member 65, wrapping the cloth around first portion 35 of base 30, and coupling the cloth to connectors 100 on top surface 45 of first portion 35 of base 30.

In use, a user may connect cleaning member 65 to base 30 in either its first or second position depending on which cleaning surface 70, 75 of cleaning member 65 the user desires to clean with. The user may grip handle 25 of cleaning tool 20 as desired, connect one of the desired cleaning surfaces 70, 75 of cleaning member 65 to attachment member 60 and position cleaning member 65 parallel to and adjacent the desired surface to be cleaned, and contact the desired surface with the other of the cleaning surfaces 70, 75 of cleaning member 65. The user can reverse cleaning member 65 if so desired by simply disconnecting cleaning member 65 from base 30, flipping it over and reconnecting cleaning member 65 to base 30 by connecting the other of the cleaning surfaces 70, 75 to attachment member 60.

A user may also angle cleaning tool 20 such that scrubbing surface 95 is parallel to and adjacent the desired surface to be cleaned, and contact the desired surface with scrubbing surface 95. Scrubbing surface 95, defined by first and second sets of bristles 92, 94, allows a user to clean different areas such as grout lines and stubborn stains. Second set of bristles 94 is stiffer in nature than first set of bristles 92 and aids in the cleaning of areas like grout lines and also provides a harder scrubbing surface for scrubbing tough stains.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The descriptions were selected to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although particular constructions of the present invention have been shown and described, other alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the present invention. 

1. A cleaning tool comprising: a base having a first portion and a second portion; a cleaning member carried by said first portion; and bristles extending from said second portion.
 2. The cleaning tool of claim 1 further comprising means for removably connecting said cleaning member to said first portion.
 3. The cleaning tool of claim 1 further comprising a handle connected to said base.
 4. The cleaning tool of claim 1 wherein said first portion defines a first plane and said second portion defines a second plane.
 5. The cleaning tool of claim 4 wherein said second plane is angled in relation to said first plane.
 6. The cleaning tool of claim 1 wherein said bristles comprise a first set of bristles and a second set of bristles.
 7. The cleaning tool of claim 6 wherein said first set of bristles are used for lighter scrubbing and said second set of bristles are used for heavier scrubbing.
 8. The cleaning tool of claim 7 wherein said first set of bristles generally surround said second set of bristles.
 9. The cleaning tool of claim 2 wherein said means for removably connecting comprises hooks of a hook and loop type fastener.
 10. The cleaning tool of claim 2 wherein said first portion has a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface has an indentation therein, and wherein said means for removably connecting is positioned in said indentation.
 11. The cleaning tool of claim 2 wherein said cleaning member has a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface, said first and second cleaning surfaces being selectively connectable to said first portion by said means for removably connecting.
 12. The cleaning tool of claim 11 wherein said first and second cleaning surfaces are made of different materials designed for different cleaning purposes.
 13. The cleaning tool of claim 11 wherein said first and second cleaning surfaces are made of the same material.
 14. The cleaning tool of claim 1 further comprising means for coupling a cleaning sheet to said base.
 15. The cleaning tool of claim 14 wherein said means for coupling a cleaning sheet to said base comprise a plurality of connectors.
 16. The cleaning tool of claim 15 wherein said plurality of connectors are disposed on a top surface of said first portion.
 17. A cleaning tool comprising: a base; a cleaning member carried by said base; and means for coupling a cleaning sheet to said base.
 18. The cleaning tool of claim 17 wherein said means for coupling a cleaning sheet to said base comprise a plurality of connectors.
 19. The cleaning tool of claim 18 wherein said plurality of connectors are disposed on a top surface of said base.
 20. The cleaning tool of claim 17 further comprising a handle connected to said base.
 21. The cleaning tool of claim 17 further comprising means for removably connecting said cleaning member to said base.
 22. The cleaning tool of claim 21 wherein said means for removably connecting comprises hooks of a hook and loop type fastener.
 23. The cleaning tool of claim 21 wherein said base has a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface has an indentation therein, and wherein said means for removably connecting is positioned in said indentation.
 24. The cleaning tool of claim 21 wherein said cleaning member has a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface, said first and second cleaning surfaces being selectively connectable to said first portion by said means for removably connecting.
 25. The cleaning tool of claim 24 wherein said first and second cleaning surfaces are made of different materials designed for different cleaning purposes.
 26. The cleaning tool of claim 24 wherein said first and second cleaning surfaces are made of the same material.
 27. A cleaning tool comprising: a base having a first portion and a second portion; a cleaning member carried by said first portion; bristles extending from said second portion; and means for coupling a cleaning sheet to said base.
 28. The cleaning tool of claim 27 wherein said means for coupling a cleaning sheet to said base comprise a plurality of connectors.
 29. The cleaning tool of claim 28 wherein said plurality of connectors are disposed on a top surface of said base.
 30. The cleaning tool of claim 27 further comprising a handle connected to said base.
 31. The cleaning tool of claim 27 further comprising means for removably connecting said cleaning member to said base.
 32. The cleaning tool of claim 31 wherein said means for removably connecting comprises hooks of a hook and loop type fastener.
 33. The cleaning tool of claim 31 wherein said first portion has a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface has an indentation therein, and wherein said means for removably connecting is positioned in said indentation.
 34. The cleaning tool of claim 31 wherein said cleaning member has a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface, said first and second cleaning surfaces being selectively connectable to said first portion by said means for removably connecting.
 35. The cleaning tool of claim 34 wherein said first and second cleaning surfaces are made of different materials designed for different cleaning purposes.
 36. The cleaning tool of claim 34 wherein said first and second cleaning surfaces are made of the same material. 